WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National League of Cities (NLC) and the National Governors Association (NGA) have announced a partnership between the two organizations aimed at supporting an inclusive workforce for the rapidly growing electric vehicle (EV) industry. This collaboration comes at a pivotal moment as municipalities and states across the nation commit to transforming their communities through historic federal and private investments – including the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program and the Discretionary Grant Program for Charging and Fueling Infrastructure – in the clean economy, including the electrification of mobility.
Fully realizing the potential of these investments requires a resilient and diverse talent pipeline capable of building America’s next-generation infrastructure. As part of the Siemens Foundation’s new EVeryone Charging Forward™ initiative, NLC and NGA are meeting this moment by launching the State and Local Collaborative to Support an Inclusive Workforce for the Electric Vehicle Charging Sector (EV Workforce Collaborative). Leveraging both organizations’ respective strengths and networks, this joint initiative will create pathways to the new EV Charging economy for underserved and marginalized communities.
“Cities across America recognize the immense potential of the electric vehicle industry in driving clean and resilient economic growth,” said Clarence Anthony, NLC CEO and Executive Director. “By working hand-in-hand with our partners at NGA, we have a chance to ensure that all cities are accessing the environmental and economic benefits electric vehicles bring – especially those communities that have historically been left behind.”
Through the EV Workforce Collaborative, NLC and NGA will provide resources, guidance, and best practices for states and cities to expeditiously align policies and funding priorities and develop accessible, industry-recognized pathways and wrap-around supports to family-sustaining careers in the sector. This collaborative effort will facilitate information sharing, promote stakeholder coordination, and support training programs for individuals no matter their background.
“America’s Governors recognize that investing in electric vehicle career pathways is about powering industry innovation and empowering the workforce of the future,” says Bill McBride, NGA Executive Director. “The National Governors Association is proud to be partnering with NLC and the Siemens foundation on behalf of Governors to provide resources, convenings, and best practices for states and cities to expand job opportunities in the growing electric vehicle sector.”
The formation of the EV Workforce Collaborative represents an exciting first step in creating a skilled and inclusive workforce that will accelerate the electrification of mobility and contribute to a cleaner, more equitable and prosperous future for all. If you would like to learn more about the collaborative, please express interest by contacting McKinzie McGuire at mcguire@nlc.org.
“With 15 million U.S. infrastructure jobs coming online over the next decade, and 17 million infrastructure workers permanently leaving their jobs during the same time period, we must ensure everyone has access to this unprecedented opportunity, which is the mission behind EVeryone Charging Forward™” said David Etzwiler, CEO of Siemens Foundation. “By leveraging the leadership of states and cities through this collaborative, we’ll overcome the most pressing challenges so that all individuals have equitable access to good EV charging jobs. We are proud to partner with NGA and NLC to reach our shared goals of promoting equity, supporting a sustainable environment, and growing our economy through clean energy.
NLC and NGA are glad to have the support of the Siemens Foundation. The Siemens Foundation advances workforce development, health equity, and clean economy jobs in the United States. The Foundation is committed to economic, social, and racial justice for all. Most recently, with partners such as NLC and NGA, the Siemens Foundation launched EVeryone Charging Forward™ to create pathways for individuals from underserved and underrepresented communities to well-paying, sustainable technical jobs in the EV charging sector.
If you have questions or want to speak to an NLC expert, please email Media@nlc.org.
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The National League of Cities (NLC) is the voice of America’s cities, towns and villages, representing more than 200 million people. NLC works to strengthen local leadership, influence federal policy and drive innovative solutions. Stay connected with NLC on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.